Research Profile
My research is focused on wound healing via gene therapy and healing environment changes. I collaborated with the Department of Dermatology, Children’s Hospital Boston to study the effects of adhesion molecules and growth factors on wound healing.
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Projects
Gene Therapy and Wound Healing
Gene transfer is an attractive therapeutic modality for the near future. Microseeding is currently the most efficient mechanical technique for in vivo gene transfer. I standardized and developed several new applications of the technique for internal organs, skin, and bone. I also demonstrated that the delivery of hBMP-2 (human bone morphogenetic protein) to the periosteum results in a greater amount of bone formation. Further research is underway.
Wound healing is triggered by multiple signals (cytokines, growth factors) released from stimulated cells. Genetic manipulation of the cells both in vivo and in vitro can accelerate wound healing. In our experiment with skin cell genetic manipulation, we found an increased production of growth factors and therefore a significant acceleration in wound healing. We also developed an unique method for skin cell harvesting and transplantation.
Gene therapy safety is dependent on the precise control of gene expression. Our laboratory developed a novel gene expression regulating switch, which is currently commercially available as T-RExTM from InvitrogenTM. I demonstrated in the circulating blood of mice that levels of gene expression can be precisely controlled. Further research is underway.
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Wound Healing Environment
Skin regeneration is the most critical part of burn patients' recovery. By manipulating the skin wound environment, we can ensure that patients experience faster and better healing. In particular, I helped develop a wound chamber (currently being tested for marked use) that allows wounds to heal in a liquid environment. The liquid environment enables faster wound healing than any other treatment modality. |
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Funding
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Publications
For the latest articles by Dr. Bohdan Pomahac, please visit 
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Parrett BM, Pomahac B, Orgill DP, Pribaz JJ. The role of free-tissue transfer for head and neck burn reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2007 Dec;120(7):1871-8.
Pomahac B, Zuhaili B, Kudsi Y, Bleiziffer O, Velander P, Eriksson E, Gerner P. Safety evaluation of topically applied amitriptyline in porcine full-thickness wounds. Reg Anesth Pain Med. 2007 Sep-Oct;32(5):377-81.
Yao F, Pomahac B, Visovatti S, Chen M, Johnson S, Augustinova H, Svensjo T, Eriksson E. Systemic and Localized Reversible Regulation of Transgene Expression by Tetracycline with tetR-Mediated Transcription Repression Switch. J Surg Res. 2007 Apr;138(2):267-274.
Pomahac B, Recht A, May JW, Hergrueter CA, Slavin SA. New trends in breast cancer management: is the era of immediate breast reconstruction changing? Ann Surg. 2006 Aug;244(2):282-8. Review.
Pomahac B, Matros E, Semel M, Chan RK, Rogers SO, Demling R, Orgill DP. Predictors of Survival and Length of Stay in Burn Patients Older Than 80 Years of Age: Does Age Really Matter? J Burn Care Res. 2006 May/June;27(3):265-269.
Parrett BM, Pomahac B, Demling RH, Orgill DP. Fourth-degree burns to the lower extremity with exposed tendon and bone: a ten-year experience. J Burn Care Res. 2006 Jan-Feb;27(1):34-9.
Pomahac B, Hagan R, Blazar P, Upton J. Spontaneous thrombosis of the radial artery at the wrist level. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2004 Sep 15;114(4):943-6.
Svensjo T, Yao F, Pomahac B, Winkler T, Eriksson E. Cultured autologous fibroblasts augment epidermal repair. Transplantation. 2002 Apr 15;73(7):1033-41.
Svensjo T, Pomahac B, Yao F, Slama J, Wasif N, Eriksson E. Autologous skin transplantation: comparison of minced skin to other techniques. J Surg Res. 2002 Mar;103(1):19-29.
Svensjo T, Yao F, Pomahac B, Eriksson E. Autologous keratinocyte suspensions accelerate epidermal wound healing in pigs. J Surg Res. 2001 Aug;99(2):211-21.
Svensjo T, Pomahac B, Yao F, Slama J, Eriksson E. Accelerated healing of full-thickness skin wounds in a wet environment. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2000 Sep;106(3):602-12; discussion 613-4.
Penc SF, Pomahac B, Eriksson E, Detmar M, Gallo RL. Dermatan sulfate activates nuclear factor-kappab and induces endothelial and circulating intercellular adhesion molecule-1. J Clin Invest. 1999 May;103(9):1329-35.
Penc SF, Pomahac B, Winkler T, Dorschner RA, Eriksson E, Herndon M, Gallo RL. Dermatan sulfate released after injury is a potent promoter of fibroblast growth factor-2 function. J Biol Chem. 1998 Oct 23;273(43):28116-21.
Pomahac B, Svensjo T, Yao F, Brown H, Eriksson E. Tissue engineering of skin. Crit Rev Oral Biol Med. 1998;9(3):333-44. Review.
Pomahac B, Hana A, Libor R. Physician surplus: the Czech story. JAMA. 1998 May 6;279(17):1402.
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